Short Summary

Herb Elliott confirmed himself as one of the world's great middle-distance runners by winning the Compton Invitation Mile in Los Angeles in under four minutes, leaving Irish star, Ron Delany, nearly 20 second behind at the post.

Description

Herb Elliott confirmed himself as one of the world's great middle-distance runners by winning the Compton Invitation Mile in Los Angeles in under four minutes, leaving Irish star, Ron Delany, nearly 20 second behind at the post. Elliott finished strongly in a time of 3 mins. 58.1 seconds and gave Delany his first defeat of the season.

American R. Shankland led the race until halfway through the third lap, when Elliott surged into the front, followed by Delany. Soon the Irish runner dropped back and was passed by Hungarian L. Tabori, who finished second in 4 mins. 0.5 secs. Delany was placed third, struggling home in 4 mins. 10 secs.

Elliott's time is only 0.1 secs. behind Landy's ratified world record of 1954. The 3 mins. 57.2 secs. White City run by Derek Ibbotson in 1957 still awaits official ratification.